Make A Move

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Lao Tzu

At face value this quote is logical and simple yet when applied to life, the interpretation embodies so much more. We humans are storytellers. We can imagine amazing things in our lives; an exotic vacation, a fantastic new job, an improved relationship with a friend or family member, a personal renovation (be it physical or mental). Then, what often happens is, we stop there. Our self-talk often starts with negative comments like “Who do you think you are, you can’t do that.” or “You don’t have enough money to do that.” or “It is too late, you should have tried that earlier.” or “What if I fail?” or a plethora of other cruel things we tell ourselves. We can also get so overwhelmed in the outcome we feel like we don’t even know where to start. The reality is when we embark on a new adventure, it usually doesn’t turn out exactly as we planned. Often there are some twists, turns and adjustments that we make along the way. It usually turns out better than we planned if we have the ability to see it with an open mind.  

Make a move! What are you wanting to do but have not taken your first step? Write down what it is that you would like to accomplish. Be as detailed as you like: the more passionate about the idea the better. File this plan away somewhere that you can access later.  Figure out your first step towards this goal (complete your resume, sign up for a class, start a savings account, read a book) and  take this first step in the next 48 hours. Commend yourself for taking the first step towards your goal. Take your next step, congratulate yourself  again for taking the next step. Continue this formula, step then personal congratulations, repeatedly. Check in periodically on how close you are getting to reaching your goal or notice how your plans have changed as you have been taking this journey. Most importantly, congratulate yourself for making the effort and moving forward.

One of my favorite analogies to frame this journey is when we take a road trip, we don’t berate ourselves because we are not “there yet”. Instead we look at the scenery or enjoy the conversation or listen to an audio book or spend the time thinking. The same is true for personal achievements. You won’t get there instantaneously. Enjoy the “ride”. Congratulate yourself along the way. Afterall, you are closer to your goal that you were when you started.